Vietnam Insight 14 Days

Your journey begins as you touch down in Hanoi. Stepping out of the aircraft, you'll be warmly greeted by your guide just outside the baggage claim area. Look for the distinctive welcome signboard adorned with the ASIA TOUR ADVISOR LOGO and your name. Your adventure in Hanoi commences with a smooth transfer to the downtown area. As you travel, your guide will offer a delightful introduction to the charms of Hanoi.

Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, stands as a bustling metropolis inhabited by seven million people. A city with deep traditions and refined elegance, it boasts French colonial architecture, tree-lined boulevards, serene lakes, and a vibrant Old Quarter. As you explore, you'll encounter locals practicing the graceful art of Tai Chi by the tranquil lakeshores. Along the lively streets, barbers and food vendors go about their sidewalk trade, creating an ever-changing tapestry of daily life.

It is unmissable in terms of its pretty pagodas, ancient temples, enchanting French colonial quarter and cultural institutions. Just as fun, however, is darting down its winding lanes and discovering your own favourite hidden corners.

After a satisfying breakfast at your hotel, our local tour guide will pick you up to embark on an exploration of Vietnam's capital city, Hanoi. With over a thousand years of history, this city is rich with captivating cultural and historical sites. Your itinerary includes visits to the imposing Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, home to the preserved body of "Uncle Ho."  and his House on Stilts to observe how he lived and how his life unfolded to become one of modern history’s greatest names. 

You'll also experience the delicate beauty of the One Pillar Pagoda, Tran Quoc Temple are a spiritual and cultural symbol of Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam. With special features in its structure along with historical values, the temple will surely be a real eye-opener for tourists.

After lunch, continue to visit the millennia-old Temple of Literature and explore its role in the country’s past, as both a university and a Confucius temple. Next is Hoa Lo , a prison used by the French colonists in Vietnam for political prisoners, and later by North Vietnam for U.S. Prisoners of War.

To cap off your day, enjoy a one-hour cyclo tour through the bustling and lively Old Quarter, immersing yourself in the vibrant marketplace atmosphere.  Sample delicious dishes like Nom Du Du (green papaya salad), Banh Mi Pa Te (a sandwich that reflects Vietnam’s culinary heritage)

In the evening, at 8:00 PM, our Asia Tour Advisor’s guide will collect you from your hotel and escort you to Hanoi Railway Station. Here, you will board the night train bound for Lao Cai, where you will arrive at either 5:30 AM or 6:00 AM.

The train gracefully arrives at 6:00 am, where our guide, distinguished by the AsiaTourAdvisor’s Logo & Your Name sign, awaits to transfer you to the charming hill station of Sapa. After a delightful breakfast at a local restaurant, embark on a scenic drive to Love Waterfall. Marvel at the panoramic views of Hoang Lien Mountain Range and the lush valley plantations. A stop at Tram Ton Pass, the highest road in Vietnam at 2,047 meters, leads to a 1.1 km walk along Golden Stream, culminating in the enchanting Love Waterfall. The journey proceeds to Silver Waterfall, offering 30 minutes to relish the breathtaking mountain and valley vistas.

Embark on a trek to Sin Chai village, the residence of the Black Hmong people, and enjoy a delightful picnic lunch en route. Conclude the day with a walk to Sapa town.

Commence your day at 09:30 am with a short road transfer out of Sapa to the walking path. Embark on a 2-hour uphill walk along the Den Thang range, reveling in the mesmerizing view of Fansipan Peak and the expansive Muong Hoa Valley. The trek leads to Hang Da Village of the H’mong, perched at a 1,800m hilltop, offering a stunning vista of the Muong Hoa Valley. Explore the village, followed by a lunch break, and continue the trek downhill through H’mong hamlets of the Hau Thao Commune, scattered on the steep mountainside.

Witness the traditional fiber-making processes in these hamlets, and conclude the walk at Red Dzao Village of Giang Ta Chai, where our driver awaits to return you to Sapa at 06:30 PM. Enjoy an evening at your leisure in Sapa before our driver takes you to Lao Cai train station for the night train back to Hanoi.

As your train meanders back to Hanoi early in the morning, a fresh day awaits you. Upon arrival in Hanoi, our guide will be there to greet you and arrange for a day room where you can relax and freshen up.

Our journey embarks from Hanoi where we'll pick you up for a scenic drive through the verdant landscapes of the Red River Delta. Our destination: the world-famous UNESCO World Heritage site, Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay. Here, you'll embark on a luxurious cruise for an enchanting overnight cruise.

As you relax on board, you'll be captivated by the breathtaking limestone karsts that majestically emerge from the azure waters, surrounded by thousands of jungle-clad islands seemingly suspended on the gentle waves. The turquoise waters of the Gulf of Tonkin conceal hidden grottoes and ancient caves, creating a timeless and mesmerizing world.

Enjoy a delicious seafood lunch with breathtaking views and a refreshing drink. Our next destination is a charming fishing village, where locals have ingeniously turned their boats into a floating community. Meet fishermen, explore a stunning lagoon by kayak or rowboat, and unwind on deck as the sun sets. Spend a delightful overnight stay on board!

Kickstart your day with Tai Chi on the top deck or savor the sunrise over the bay. Sip on morning coffee or tea before setting out to explore nearby islands via rowboat.

Upon returning to the junk, witness a fruit carving demonstration and participate in a cooking class, learning to create traditional Vietnamese cuisine from scratch. Enjoy a Vietnamese lunch on board as you cruise back to Halong City. Upon arrival, your driver will be waiting at the dock to take you to Noi Bai Airport for your short flight to Danang.

Upon arrival in Danang, your tour guide and driver will transfer you to your hotel in Hoi An—a destination that seamlessly blends old-world charm with pristine beaches and luxurious resorts.

Hoi An, a thriving port from the 16th to the 19th centuries, once welcomed merchants from across the globe who came to trade in silk, spices, and porcelain. Today, the UNESCO World Heritage Old Quarter of Hoi An stands as a beautifully preserved testament to its illustrious past. Ornate pagodas, antique trading houses, and centuries-old tile-roofed shops create a rich architectural tapestry blending Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, and European styles.

Embark on a morning walking tour of Hoi An's ancient town center, which will transport you back in time to its bustling trading days. Explore old shophouses, traverse the iconic 400-year-old Japanese Bridge, visit a Chinese communal hall, and immerse yourself in the vibrant local market. Following your tour, enjoy some free time to relax on the shores of Cua Dai Beach.

Following breakfast at your hotel, the day unfolds at your leisure, offering opportunities for relaxation on the beach or indulging in some shopping. In the afternoon, your guide will collect you and accompany you on a journey to Hue. En route, you'll visit the Cham Museum, ascend the majestic Pass of Ocean Clouds to savor panoramic vistas, and explore the charming fishing village of Lang Co Beach. Arriving in Hue, you'll check in to your hotel and have free time to unwind.

Begin your day by exploring the Imperial Citadel, a historic site where the Nguyen Dynasty ruled from 1802 to 1945. Afterward, embark on a charming cyclo ride through the enchanting 'Old City' to Tinh Tam Lake, a favored retreat for emperors.

This afternoon, visit the Mu Pagoda, nestled above the Perfume River. Conclude your day with a visit to Khai Dinh's Tomb, an architectural marvel that merges traditional Vietnamese design with European influences, setting it apart from other tombs in Hue. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy as you please.

After breakfast at your hotel, enjoy some free time before transferring to the airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, you'll be welcomed and transferred to your hotel, where you can relax and explore the city at your own pace.

Today you'll take a deep dive into Vietnamese history and explore the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, used as a shelter for Vietnamese soldiers during the war. Learn about why the tunnels were constructed and how they helped people survive in harsh wartime conditions. 

Wander the remaining tunnel systems, which include the living areas, kitchens, and martial facilities, as well as hidden doors and dangerous traps. Finish the tour with Try some of the main food of the Viet Cong Soldiers with a cassava tasting served with tangy tea. 

In the afternoon, return to the city to visit Independence Palace, also known as the Reunification Palace, built on the sight of the former Norodom Palace. The Independence Palace is a widely known landmark of Ho Chi Minh City and was designed by the architect Ngo Viet Thu. Continue exploring the beautiful buildings from French Colonial times, such as the Notre Dame Cathedral.Then visit Ben Thanh Market, one of the largest markets in Ho Chi Minh, to see the local life here. After the tour, return to your hotel.

Following breakfast at your hotel, your guide will pick you up and transport you to Ben Tre. Your journey commences at Phong Nam Pier (Phong Nam old ferry station). Here, you'll board a boat to cruise along one of the tributaries of the mighty Mekong River.

Along the way, witness the vibrant activities of river life, including fishing and water transportation. Pause at a brickwork site to observe the process of coconut charcoal production and coconut husking. Visit one of the many coconut processing workshops, offering a glimpse into the intricate art of crafting coconut candies along the canals.

As you navigate through the natural scissors creeks, their size gradually diminishing, you'll venture deeper into the heart of the village. Embark on a leisurely walk to explore the village and visit a family dedicated to crafting sleep mats. Later, embark on a cart ride powered by a motorbike or enjoy a bicycle tour, taking you through tranquil villages and lush vegetable gardens.

Lunch awaits at a local restaurant, providing an opportunity to savor authentic flavors. In the afternoon, continue your exploration with a bike ride around the village, a serene rowing-boat journey along water palm creek, and a boat ride to Hung Vuong Pier. From there, you'll travel by car to Can Tho, where you'll check in to your hotel and enjoy the evening at your leisure.

Embrace the allure of the Lower Mekong River as you embark on a leisurely boat excursion. Glide along the picturesque Bassac River and make your way to the vibrant Cai Răng floating market, one of the liveliest markets in the region. Here, you'll witness a unique way of life as locals trade their goods on the water.

Have you ever tasted Vietnamese vermicelli soup? Today, you'll have the opportunity to observe how this beloved dish is meticulously prepared. Stroll through the village, interacting with friendly locals and learning the art of crossing a "Monkey bridge," a remarkable structure crafted from a single bamboo stem. Explore an orchard garden and savor a delectable lunch.

Return to Ho Chi Minh City, where you'll check in to your hotel and have free time to enjoy the city's charms.